Chucas - Jateo
near Balsa, Alajuela (Republic of Costa Rica)
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Trail photos
Itinerary description
I started this hike just south of Balsa and parked in a Hydro Plant parking lot just north of the Tarcoles River. The road (now gravel) takes you down to a very old bridge that gives you some nice views up and down the river. As you head up the far bank you will see an intersection (just before you cross a second smaller bridge). This hike follows Wiki's Balsa, Balsita, Balsa route (thanks to Masoquista) but I decided to do it in the reverse direction. Either way you will start and finish the loop at this intersection.
It was a good climb up with some nice vistas and very windy on the day of my hike. The trail had pretty good footing for most of the way except for a section between intersection 3 and intersection 4 (flagged as waypoints). I was glad I had reversed the original route and was going downhill through this washed out portion of the track (3 foot deep ruts in what was left of a road). Very little traffic (maybe 3 vehicles on the entire loop) some wildlife and some very nice views.
It was a good climb up with some nice vistas and very windy on the day of my hike. The trail had pretty good footing for most of the way except for a section between intersection 3 and intersection 4 (flagged as waypoints). I was glad I had reversed the original route and was going downhill through this washed out portion of the track (3 foot deep ruts in what was left of a road). Very little traffic (maybe 3 vehicles on the entire loop) some wildlife and some very nice views.
Waypoints
Bridge
1,065 ft
Old bridge
Very old bridge, not for the faint of heart. Very windy and you hope nothing decides to cross when you are on the bridge. The rattling is very disconcerting.
Summit
2,635 ft
Peak
One of a couple peaks that are worth leaving the road to get the view! Hold onto your hat.
Intersection
2,773 ft
Intersection 3
Another left turn, cattle may not be there, but the smell probably will! Look for hydro line over head. This is the start of the tough section.
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Bridge doesn’t exist anymore :(